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Stig of the Dump author Clive King, who went to school in Rochester, dies

The author of classic children's book Stig of the Dump has died aged 94.

Clive King was born Surrey but moved to Ash, near Dartford, when he was young, attending King's School in Rochester from 1933 to 1941.

He later moved to Norfolk, where he lived until his death on Tuesday, but his most famous book cemented his connections to the county.

Stig of the Dump book cover, Puffin Books
Stig of the Dump book cover, Puffin Books

Stig of the Dump, which has sold more than two million copies worldwide, was inspired by his own adventures growing up with his brothers in the village.

It was later turned into a mini series for the BBC and won a BAFTA Children's Film and Television Award.

Considered a modern children's classic, the novel has been has been taught in schools across the country, and adapted for television several times and was first published in 1963.

It tells the story of a young boy called Barney who comes across a caveman called Stig living in a dump at the bottom of a nearby chalk-pit.

Stig of the Dump book cover, Puffin Books
Stig of the Dump book cover, Puffin Books

His other books include Hamid Of Aleppo, his first book which was published in 1958, The Twenty-Two Letters, The Town That Went South, The Night The Water Came, Me And My Million and Ninny's Boat.

King was born Surrey, in 1924, before he and his family moved to Ash.

A statement from publisher Puffin books said: "It is with sorrow that the family of Clive King, author of several popular children's books, including the much-loved classic Stig Of The Dump, announce that he passed away in the county of Norfolk where he had made his home on July 10, aged 94.

"He is survived by his widow Penny and three children.

"The family have requested privacy at this time and our heartfelt condolences are with them."

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